These tasty chicken zucchini corn burgers are a fun twist on your regular burger! Packed with healthy ingredients like tender chicken, fresh zucchini, and sweet corn, they’re super delicious.
And don’t forget the fresh tomato relish on top! It’s the perfect way to add a burst of flavor. I love serving these burgers with a side of crispy fries for a fun meal. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Chicken: Lean ground chicken is perfect for these burgers, making them healthy but still flavorful. If you’re looking for a substitute, ground turkey or even plant-based options like lentils can work well too!
Zucchini: Grated zucchini adds moisture and makes the burgers lighter. If zucchini isn’t available, you could try grated carrots or even finely chopped bell peppers for a different twist.
Corn: Fresh corn adds sweetness and crunch. If it’s out of season, frozen corn works just as great. I prefer fresh, but the frozen variety can save time and reduce prep hassle!
Red Onion: This gives a nice bite to the burgers. If red onion isn’t available, yellow or white onions will work fine. You could even use scallions for a milder flavor.
How Do You Get the Perfect Burger Texture?
Achieving the right texture in these burgers comes down to two main techniques: squeezing moisture from the zucchini and careful mixing. Here’s how to do it:
- Make sure to grate the zucchini and then squeeze out as much liquid as you can—this prevents soggy burgers.
- Mix the ingredients gently; overmixing can make the burgers tough. Just combine until everything is evenly mixed.
- When shaping patties, keep them slightly thick for juiciness. Aim for even sizes to ensure they cook evenly.
How Do You Make Flavorful Tomato Relish?
Fresh tomato relish is simple yet packed with flavor. Here’s a quick guide:
- Use ripe tomatoes for the best taste. Sun-ripened ones have the most flavor!
- Adding lime juice brightens up the relish; don’t skip it! You can do a splash more if you love tanginess.
- Letting it sit for at least 10 minutes after mixing allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Enjoy making your delicious and healthy chicken zucchini corn burgers!
Healthy Chicken Zucchini Corn Burgers with Fresh Tomato Relish
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Burgers:
- 1 lb (450g) ground chicken (preferably lean)
- 1 medium zucchini, grated and excess moisture squeezed out
- 1 cup fresh corn kernels (about 2 ears) or frozen, thawed
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup whole wheat breadcrumbs or panko
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1-2 tbsp olive oil for cooking
For the Fresh Tomato Relish:
- 2 medium ripe tomatoes, finely diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1 small jalapeño or mild chili, seeded and finely chopped (optional for heat)
- 2 tbsp fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
To Serve:
- Whole wheat burger buns or lettuce leaves for a low-carb option
- Optional: sliced avocado, lettuce, or your favorite burger toppings
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes for preparation and about 15-20 minutes for cooking, making it a quick and healthy meal option that you can whip up in about 30-35 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Burgers:
In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, grated zucchini (make sure to squeeze out as much excess moisture as possible), fresh corn kernels, finely chopped red onion, minced garlic, chopped parsley, breadcrumbs, and the beaten egg. Add ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Now, mix everything gently but thoroughly until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to keep the burgers tender!
2. Form Patties:
Shape the mixture into 4-6 equal-sized patties, depending on how large you’d like them. Place the formed patties on a tray or plate while preparing to cook.
3. Cook the Burgers:
Heat 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the patties to the skillet. Cook for about 5-6 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through, with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
4. Make the Fresh Tomato Relish:
While the burgers are cooking, grab a small bowl, and combine diced tomatoes, chopped red onion, jalapeño (if using), fresh herbs, lime juice, and olive oil. Season it with salt and black pepper to taste. Give it a good mix and let it sit for at least 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together perfectly.
5. Assemble the Burgers:
Once the patties are cooked, it’s time to assemble! Place each cooked patty on a whole wheat burger bun or a lettuce leaf if you prefer a low-carb option. Top each with a generous amount of the fresh tomato relish, and add any other optional toppings you like, such as sliced avocado or crisp lettuce.
6. Serve:
Enjoy your chicken zucchini corn burgers right away! They make for a tasty meal paired with your favorite sides, like a fresh salad or baked fries.
Enjoy your healthy, flavorful chicken zucchini corn burgers with the fresh tomato relish!
FAQ: Healthy Chicken Zucchini Corn Burgers with Fresh Tomato Relish
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Ground Chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitute for ground chicken and works well in this recipe. Just make sure to adjust cooking times as necessary, but the method remains the same.
What If I Don’t Have Fresh Corn?
No problem! You can use frozen corn that has been thawed, and it will taste just as delicious. Just ensure it’s well-drained, so it doesn’t add too much moisture to the burger mixture.
How Can I Make the Tomato Relish Spicier?
If you’d like more heat in your relish, simply add more jalapeño or consider including a pinch of red pepper flakes. Additionally, using a spicier chili variety can also amp up the heat!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Burgers?
Store any leftover chicken burgers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through. The relish can also be stored separately in the fridge.
